Pressure mounts on Scott Robertson as Ardie Savea considers quitting the All Blacks
Ardie Savea, seen here with Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, is reportedly considering his future with the All Blacks after being disillusioned with the direction the team is going in under Scott Robertson.
Image: Michael Bradley/AFP
The pressure is mounting on All Blacks coach Scott Robertson after reports emerged that star loose forward Ardie Savea is considering his future due to unhappiness with the coaching structures.
Savea is currently on sabbatical with the Japan Rugby League One side Kobe Steelers, and is contracted with NZ Rugby until 2027. However, The New Zealand Herald are reporting that he is considering extending his time in Japan, or moving to Europe.
United Rugby Championship side Leinster are reported to be keen on the former World Rugby Player of the Year. Jordie Barrett spent six months in Dublin last season, while Rieko Ioane is currently signed on a short-term deal.
A move to the URC champions would see Savea playing alongside the Ireland pair of Caelan Doris and Josh van der Flier, which would be a massive statement in their bid to continue their dominance in the competition.
Due to NZ Rugby’s selection policy, that would rule Savea out of All Blacks contention. As such, he would not be available for this year’s inaugural Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks.
The All Blacks have been in decline for a number of years now, with 2025 seeing a number of heavy defeats – in Wellington against the Springboks, and against England in Twickenham. The NZ Herald report states that Savea did not hold anything back in his feedback to New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk during the 2025 Grand Slam tour.
If Savea were to walk away, it would be a damning indictment of the direction New Zealand Rugby is heading under Robertson, and a warning sign that the All Blacks’ aura is eroding from within.
IOL Sport